Description
First edition of this masterpiece by Guillevic.
A superb untrimmed copy, on large paper, with a hand quote signed by Guillevic
in a beautiful binding by Pierre-Lucien Martin.
Guillevic, Eugène. Gagner.
Paris, Gallimard, 1949.
8vo of 281 pp., (1) p.
Red half-morocco, geometric shapes in black morocco and gilt and gilt title on first cover, gilt tile on spine, gilt head edges. Label ” Exhibition of the half-Binding decorated 1950″ cover and spine preserved. Bound by Pierre-Lucien Martin.
184 x 118 mm.
First edition.
One of the only 33 copies printed on large paper.
(It bears number XXII).
Gagner is a collection of 152 poems in general very short, very sober, many of which are political poems and where there are also many alert and simple “songs” that expresses Guillevic’s new classicism.
“Begun in the early 1930’s, revealed to the public from 1942, Guillevic’s work has continued modestly and patiently, collection after collection, to the point of clearly constituting one of the most important poetic ensembles – both in volume and originality – of contemporary creation.
This innovative work, first of all because it is historically one of the first to present a real alternative to surrealism, provides an answer to its excesses, frees us from the weariness engendered by so many texts that often become unreadable” (J. Pierrot)
” Guillevic’s ide ais that we have many things to learn from things” (Michel Murat).
Guillevic’s poetry has to be understood in the context of an occupied Paris.
One feels this kind of presence of war on the horizon of the text. We also feel this whole world of restrictions, fears and daily anguish.” (Michel Murat).
In this regard, Guillevic’s work is committed to history.
Resisting during the occupation, he joined the Communist Party at the end of the war through the mediation of Paul Eluard.
A superb untrimmed copy on large paper bearing an hand quote signed by Guillevic in a beautiful binding by Pierre-Lucien Martin.
